I think the NYR will be playing heavily in the rental dept. towards the end of the 13'-14' season.

I wouldn't have minded if Slats had been "pro-active" and made some moves this summer, among them of course especially getting a PMD, Lecavalier could have been had and I think a guy like Paajarvi carries a ton of premium being a really good prospect that hasn't received the necessary attention due to three 1st overall picks getting it (understandable).

But, the road we have choosen isn't stupid either for sure. AV will demand alot of plays from our D's that they haven't made in three years. AV will ask for alot of things from our forwards that they are unused to (litterary receiving a pass on the rush and taking it to the net instead of just putting it below the hashmarks).

We have strong players on our roster and a strong D along with the best goalie in the league. We should have a solid season. We have openings on our roster, and with injuries and stuff kids will get chances. Alot of kids will be slotted into the roster from the get go (Kreider; Miller?; Kristo?; Lindberg?; Fasth?). We have alot of valuble players on the roster as is.

If we play with the roster we have for half a season, Slats will still have alot of options. Guys like Lindberg/Fasth/Miller/Kristo might have marginal value today but could have alot more value on the market in 6 month's if they makes it and plays 40 games. AV will be comfortable with what he has and what needs to be added. What players aren't optimal on his team.

If AV stands there after 40 games and clearly concludes that we need like a PMD that can lead the offensive game from our own end and out and run the PP, we will have alot of assets on hand when someone becomes available.

This coming season will definitely be a step in the right direction, even if our off-season has not been optimal.

Yes, some have baggage or are older, but that's enough to field a decent team.

There might be a second wave of signings in late July or once the arbitration cases are done, or some of these guys might have to earn a spot at training camp as a tryout.

Because of the salary cap, there won't be room for all of these guys as teams try to get younger and faster. Much like the last lockout, there's a good chance some of the dudes are forced into early retirement.

What's the point of trading for/signing these middle-6 players some seem to be suggesting? The Rangers don't lack middle-6 players, in fact, they have a glut of them — Callahan, Hagelin, Richards, Zuccarello, Brassard, Pouliot, and most of their prospects project to be very good middle-6ers (Kristo, Miller, Lindberg, Fast, Hrivik). So why add to the glut?

The Rangers need to focus on one thing — acquiring high-end forwards. No tweeners. Legitimate top line forwards. If there aren't any available? Do nothing.

I say again, why are we trying to trade away DZ? He's on a great contract as of now while we deal with this low cap ceiling, he has potential to be a great player, he's made strides to get to where he is now and he loves playing in NY and despite there being others on defense that can contribute offensively, he's the only one who can be considered an offensive play making defenseman.

I say again, why are we trying to trade away DZ? He's on a great contract as of now while we deal with this low cap ceiling, he has potential to be a great player, he's made strides to get to where he is now and he loves playing in NY and despite there being others on defense that can contribute offensively, he's the only one who can be considered an offensive play making defenseman.

I say again, why are we trying to trade away DZ? He's on a great contract as of now while we deal with this low cap ceiling, he has potential to be a great player, he's made strides to get to where he is now and he loves playing in NY and despite there being others on defense that can contribute offensively, he's the only one who can be considered an offensive play making defenseman.

I love DZ and am perfectly happy keeping him, but I get why he's the brunt of many proposals/etc. He's an extremely valuable piece, and one who could be considered expendable with the glut of high level defenseman this team has.

Eventually, someone is going to have to be traded — keeping all of these players until their contracts run out if bad management. Value has to be capitalized on. Now might be the best time to trade DZ, although, I will say that if he breaks out next year for 50+ points, with his contract being up, it'll be interesting to see what happens with Girardi being Group IV and Staal being one year away from Group IV himself.

I say again, why are we trying to trade away DZ? He's on a great contract as of now while we deal with this low cap ceiling, he has potential to be a great player, he's made strides to get to where he is now and he loves playing in NY and despite there being others on defense that can contribute offensively, he's the only one who can be considered an offensive play making defenseman.